Reflections from a new Secular Franciscan

“I Believe! I Do, I Do, I Do!!”

Happy and safe All-Saints Day. I pray “y’all” survived the festivities of yesterday. Please keep any loved ones, in heaven, in your prayers today – it’s their day we are honoring. They are saints, just as much as those recognized for their virtues by the Catholic Church.

Humor of the Day:

A good sermon should have a good beginning and a good ending, and they should be as close together as possible.

Today’s Meditation: From the Apostles Creed:

“I BELIEVE IN GOD, THE FATHER ALMIGHTY, CREATOR OF HEAVEN & EARTH …”

The Apostles’ Creed is a profession of faith. As a formula of belief for Catholics, it goes back to the twelve apostles. Knowing, and understanding, the Apostles’ Creed was a precondition for baptism in the early church.

As Catholics, we must accept ALL the fundamental truths established in the Apostles’ Creed. First, we believe that the world did not always exist, but was created by God, who has always existed. Also, we believe that God became man in the person of Jesus Christ and that He was born of the Virgin Mary, died on the cross and rose from the dead; and that Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead. Lastly (for today), we believe that Christ sent His Holy Spirit and that through Him, we are led to salvation.

The tenants found in the Apostles’ Creed are the foundation for everything we believe as Christians. This includes Faith (belief without proof), God (the source of our faith), the Holy Trinity (the three-in-one Godhead), creation (all was, and still is made by God), angels (heavenly spirits), human beings (created in God’s image), and even original sin (Adam & Eve’s downfall).

Wow! – That’s a lot for one sentence. How profound; and this is just the overview. Wait till you see what is coming the rest of this month.

Information from the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Pax et Bonum

Dan Halley, SFO

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Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) Rule #1:

The Franciscan family, as one among many spiritual families raised up by the Holy Spirit in the Church, unites all members of the people of God — laity, religious, and priests – who recognize that they are called to follow Christ in the footsteps of Saint Francis of Assisi.

In various ways and forms, but in life-giving union with each other, they intend to make present the charism of their common Seraphic Father in the life and mission of the Church.